M&P 40 with a laser light (seems like a illogical choice for someone that's never handled a gun before, but I won't argue with anyone that has taken this much time). Got it. Thanks.

I was planning to work them up to a larger caliber, not start with a 40, but I am a novice, so I am glad I asked.

Thanks for the link(s), BC.

This post was edited on 5/14/14 at 1:17 pm

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Posted by dnm3305

Member since Feb 2009

13610 posts

Posted on 5/14/14 at 1:21 pm to go ta hell ole miss

or M&P 9, Glock 19 (what my fiancee' has), Springfield XD 9, Ruger SR9, etc. Bring them both to a gun shop and see what feels best in their own hands and let them pick it out.

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Posted by Big_country346

Member since Jul 2013

3635 posts

Posted on 5/14/14 at 1:29 pm to go ta hell ole miss

Bought a S&W M&P shield 9mm after all was said and done. The Mrs. totes it around with her and she loves it.
I did start her off messing around with a browning .22 prior to purchasing the 9mm.

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Posted by dawg23

Baton Rouge, La

Member since Jul 2011

5065 posts

Posted on 5/14/14 at 2:13 pm to go ta hell ole miss

quote:
M&P 40 with a laser light (seems like a illogical choice for someone that's never handled a gun before, but I won't argue with anyone that has taken this much time). Got it. Thanks.

I was planning to work them up to a larger caliber, not start with a 40, but I am a novice, so I am glad I asked.

Your first reaction is very valid -- a .40 is almost always a poor choice for a new shooter. Based on the students I've taught, the .40 is responsible for inducing flinching into more shooters than any other common CCW caliber.

Today's good 9mm ammo (like Federal HST) will do everything you need a SD round to do -- if she can hit her target.

There is some wisdom associated with the concept of letting her pick the gun ----> as long as her choices are limited to reliable (Tier 1) handguns. Too many women (and guys) want a tiny gun that will fit in her pocket. Or a gun that's cute (guys on this board usually say "hot" or "sexy" instead of "cute" -- but there's no difference in the mentality.

)

A reliable 9mm is (like the M&P Shield) or a reliable J-frame .38 revolver are good choices. But she'll never practice as much with the revolver (they're unpleasant to shoot) as she will with the Shield.

Oh, and forget the laser. Spend that money on a lesson with an experienced instructor and some practice ammo

My $.02

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Posted by bapple

Capital City

Member since Oct 2010

11910 posts

Posted on 5/14/14 at 5:53 pm to go ta hell ole miss

Thanks to the OB for linking my video.

quote:
M&P 40 with a laser light (seems like a illogical choice for someone that's never handled a gun before, but I won't argue with anyone that has taken this much time). Got it. Thanks.

I don't know if you got this from my video but you obviously didn't watch the whole thing if you stopped there.

1. I suggest a full sized 22 or 9mm to start. Full sized pistols recoil less and provide a full grip for the shooter. A 22 would be ideal but given prices and ammo availability lately, 9mm would suit her just fine. She may flinch from the muzzle blast at first but this will be normal for any new shooter. (Wear good ear protection!)

2. I say in my video that I wouldn't necessarily suggest a 40 for a new shooter. I said in certain circumstances it is acceptable but not ideal.

3. Addition of a weapon-mounted light for training a new shooter is just a means to get him/her used to the sensation of recoil. He/she can make the decision to mount a light later if he/she feels the need.

4. DO NOT start her on something tiny. As other smart minds on here have said, it is a terrible starting place for her and will make her afraid of recoil in every other gun she ever handles. Granted this statement isn't a certainty, there is still a good chance it could make her recoil-sensitive.

And be sure to report back with what you decide.